Packers Keep Josh Jacobs On Roster Despite New Allegations

The Green Bay Packers have decided to keep running back Josh Jacobs on their active roster after new details emerged regarding prior allegations against him. Head coach Matt LaFleur confirmed the decision on Monday, stating that the team plans to allow the NFL to complete its process before making further moves.

Jacobs pleaded no contest to two misdemeanor charges on September 10. The charges included battery and criminal damage to property, stemming from an incident that occurred in May. He was arrested on May 26 after his then-girlfriend told police he threw her to the ground three days earlier. Police noted redness on her face and neck and felt a bump on the back of her head during their investigation.

On Friday night, the Hobart-Lawrence Police Department released records in response to a public request. These documents included accounts from three other women who reported similar incidents in previous years. Jacobs’ legal team disputed these claims on Sunday, describing them as old hearsay that is easily disproven. They noted that one of the women had previously made a claim to the NFL, which reviewed the matter and found no action was warranted.

LaFleur addressed the situation during a press conference, noting that the team is letting events play out. He said he would anticipate Jacobs being a member of the team moving forward. When asked if his personal support for Jacobs had changed since the new records were published, LaFleur said he was not going to get into that right now. He added that he would keep the conversation between himself and Jacobs.

Jacobs has returned to action after spending the first six games of the season on the commissioner’s exempt list. Since his return, he has recorded 32 carries for 75 yards and a touchdown, along with 11 catches for 68 yards and two scores. In a 27-19 victory over the Carolina Panthers on Thursday, he scored two touchdowns. After the first score, he briefly put his hands together behind his back, a gesture he explained was a reference to the gospel song "Break Every Chain."

The NFL has stated that its investigation into Jacobs is ongoing. League spokesman Brian McCarthy said on Saturday that the league would review the new allegations as part of that process. The NFL declined to comment on the statement provided by Jacobs’ lawyers on Sunday. Jacobs remains with the team as they prepare for upcoming games, with LaFleur indicating that the coaching staff is moving forward with the current roster.